My studies of law and recent experience in community work have fired a desire to expand my knowledge at a master level. I hold a B.A. degree in law from a University in the Dominican Republic and a B.A. in International Criminal Justice ‘summa cum laude’ awarded by John Jay College. I now hope to earn the LLM degree so that I can provide expert legal assistance in human rights and immigrant advocacy in collaboration with non-profit organizations. I held positions in the Dominican Republic in which I was able to apply my legal knowledge and, since arriving in the US, I have volunteered in positions that have served to advance my knowledge of US law, particularly as it concerns the political engagement of immigrant communities and immigrant advocacy.
I volunteer with the ____ Educational Fund, an organization that facilitates the full participation of members of the Latino community in the US political process. This cause is close to my heart, and I twice acted as Voting Secretary at a polling center in the Dominican Republic. I also volunteer with the City University of New York’s initiative, ‘Citizenship Now!’ assisting eligible immigrants to complete their naturalization paperwork. I have found my duties here to be deeply satisfying.
I have closely examined the weaknesses as well as the strengths of our organization, with special attention to what could be improved. Non-profit community-based services can empower immigrants through empathy and enhanced accessibility. After completing the LLM program, I hope to work with this type of organization providing expert, comprehensive and accurate advice to assist clients in their efforts to exercise their social and civic rights. I believe that the program will equip me with the right tools and resources to do so. I also wish to set a positive example of civic involvement, professional and personal realization, to inspire other immigrants.
After a thorough consideration of all LLM programs, I have been particularly attracted to XXXX University because of its excellent general introduction to Common Law and the US legal system and the opportunity to choose the courses that are the best match for my academic and professional goals. The university’s ideal location will allow me to continue to provide useful voluntary assistance in my areas of human and immigration rights and to network within my target community. I am especially attracted to your institution because of its prestige and leading role in the advancement of human rights. During the program, I hope to be involved in research projects in immigration law, and I also want to gain further experience serving in a human rights clinic. I am sure that my diligence and determined attitude will enable me to provide useful input. I am aware that cultural awareness and sensitivity is particularly important in the provision of legal advice, especially for immigrants.
Being myself an immigrant, I readily empathize with those adjusting to a new culture and the challenges that this entails. I have happily studied, worked, and socialized with people of many different ethnicities and look forward to extending this experience within the program. My fluency in Spanish and English, along with my intermediate knowledge of French and Italian, will help me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. I enjoy learning about other cultures and sharing knowledge of my own. I am not widely traveled but I have studied in New York and traveled to Italy as part of a Study Abroad program which has broadened my perspective of the world and taught me that despite our cultural differences, we have equal rights before the law and that this is worth fighting for.
I know that the program will attract many professionally qualified applicants, but I genuinely consider myself to be an excellent candidate. I hold two degrees in relevant subjects with a high GPA and academic awards; I have demonstrated a commitment to further studies and a future in law by my recent voluntary work and informal studies. I can therefore promise full and enthusiastic participation in the program. My passion for human rights and immigrant advocacy provides the drive that will enable me to excel.
LLM Degree Human Rights Law Immigrant Advocacy
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